Expression Of Epidermal Growth Factor Research Articles

The expression of salivary EGF, VEGF, endothelin, and transferrin in waterpipe and cigarette smokers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two forms of tobacco smoking, cigarettes and water pipe smoking (WPS), on the expression of a panel of salivary proteins in healthy adults. Three groups of age and gender-matched participants were enrolled in the study: never-smokers, cigarette smokers and WPS (N = 55 per group). Expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin and transferrin in unstimulated whole saliva was estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Statistical analysis consisted of one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests, in addition to bioinformatics analysis. VEGF expression was the least in WPS (51.1 ± 14.5 pg/ml) compared to both controls (150.1 ± 13.8 pg/ml) and cigarette smokers (93 ± 9.9 pg/ml), with a significant difference in WPS (p < 0.001) and cigarette smokers (p < 0.01) compared to controls. Furthermore, transferrin showed the weakest expression in the WPS group (1238 ± 261.4 pg/ml) compared to controls (2205.6 ± 298.6 pg/ml) (p = 0.05) and cigarette smokers (1805.4 ± 244 pg/ml). Neither EGF nor endothelin expression showed any statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Gene-gene interaction network demonstrated that FLT1, TFRC, KDR, VEGFB and PGF genes had the highest potential for interaction with the studied proteins. Further functional annotations on the identified markers in the interaction network were performed to identify HIF-1 pathways among the most relevant pathways. In conclusion, smoking habits alter the expression of salivary VEGF and transferrin, which may correspond to early sub-clinical changes in the oral mucosa. The clinical relevance of these salivary changes requires further research.

Effects of EGFR-TKI on epidermal melanin unit integrity: Therapeutic implications for hypopigmented skin disorders.

Epidermal melanin unit integrity is crucial for skin homeostasis and pigmentation. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) is a pivotal player in cell growth, wound healing, and maintaining skin homeostasis. However, its influence on skin pigmentation is relatively unexplored. This study investigates the impact and underlying mechanisms of EGFR inhibitors on skin pigmentation. We evaluated EGF and EGFR expression in various skin cells using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. EGF and EGFR were predominantly expressed in epidermal keratinocytes, and treatment with the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) gefitinib and PD153035 significantly increased stem cell factor (SCF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in cultured keratinocytes. Enhanced melanocyte migration and proliferation were observed in co-culture, as evidenced by time-lapse live imaging and single-cell tracking assays. Furthermore, topical application of gefitinib to guinea pig dorsal skin induced increased pigmentation and demonstrated efficacy in mitigating rhododendrol-induced leukoderma. Suppression of EGF signaling indirectly enhanced skin pigmentation by upregulating SCF and ET-1 in epidermal keratinocytes. This novel mechanism highlights the pivotal role of EGF signaling in regulating skin pigmentation, and topical EGFR-TKI therapy at an appropriate dose may be a promising approach for depigmentation disorder management.

Comparison of epidermal growth factor expression and secretion in human salivary glands

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression and secretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in major and minor salivary gland tissues of human subjects and to examine the potential influence of sex and age on EGF expression and secretion. DesignSaliva samples from the oral cavity at rest and after citric acid stimulation, as well as serum samples, were collected from 150 healthy subjects, and the concentrations of EGF were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared. The expression of EGF mRNA and protein in normal salivary gland tissues was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsThe EGF concentration in acid-stimulated saliva was significantly higher than that in resting saliva (P < 0.001), and significantly higher than that in serum (P < 0.001). No sex difference was observed in EGF levels of whole saliva and serum, whereas the EGF levels in saliva and serum were decreased with age (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). The EGF concentration and compound secretion rate (CSR) in resting submandibular glands saliva were significantly higher than those in resting parotid glands saliva (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). The EGF was expressed in all major and minor salivary glands and ranked in order of submandibular, parotid, sublingual, and labial glands. ConclusionAll salivary glands have the function of secreting EGF, and the submandibular gland is the main source of salivary EGF. Aging is a factor influencing the expression and secretion of EGF.

Effects of amitraz plus-Parapoxvirus ovis on EGF, VEGF, IGF-1 and IGF-2 in canine generalized demodicosis

Objective. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of treatment with amitraz plus-Parapoxvirus ovis (IPPVO) on serum concentrations and skin expressions of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and -2, epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in dogs suffering from generalised demodicosis (GD). Materials and Methods. Generalised demodicosis affected dogs were injected 1 ml IPPVO on days 0, 2 and 9 subcutaneously in addition to amitraz (0.025 %) treatment twice weekly for 80 days. IGF-1, IGF-2, EGF and VEGF concentrations in blood serum were measured by canine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.  EGF, VEGF, IGF-1, and IGF-2 expressions in skin biopsy specimens were examined immunohistochemically. Results. After the treatment of the dogs with amitraz plus-IPPVO in GD, we demonstrated a significant reduction in both circulating concentrations and skin expressions of EGF, VEGF, IGF-1, and IGF-2, which have a role in preserving skin integrity and wound healing. Conclusions. Results of this study suggest that IGF-1, IGF-2 EGF, and VEGF have a crucial role in the progression of GD in dogs. It is believed that the findings from this study will contribute to the development of new strategies for the treatment of GD, which is an important health problem for dogs.

Acceleration of Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats through a Novel 3D Organo-Hydrogel Nanocomposite of Polydopamine/TiO2 Nanoparticles and Cu (PDA-TiO2@Cu).

Diabetic wound represents a serious issue with a substantial impact and an exceptionally complex pathology affecting patients' mental health and quality of life. So, we have developed a novel 3D organo-hydrogel nanocomposite of polydopamine/TiO2 nanoparticles and cu (PDA-TiO2@Cu) and examined its efficacy in diabetic wound healing. Forty-five adult male albino rats were divided into normal control rats (non-diabetic rats with non-treated skin wounds), diabetic control rats (diabetic rats with non-treated skin wounds), and organo-hydrogel-treated rats (diabetic wounds treated with topically applied organo- hydrogel once daily). Macroscopic changes of the wound were observed on days 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 to measure wound diameters. Skin specimens from the wound tissue were taken on days 3, 7, and 10, respectively, and examined histologically and immunohistochemically. Also, the gene expressions of collagen I, Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), and levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) were assessed. Our observed results indicated that the developed patch significantly accelerated the healing time compared to the normal control and diabetic control groups. Moreover, the patchloaded group revealed complete re-epithelization and a highly significant increase in the mean area % of CD31 immunostaining on day 7. The organo-hydrogel-loaded group displayed a significant decrease in gene expression of MMP-9 and a significant increase in gene expression of EGF and collagen I. Additionally, the organo-hydrogel-loaded group exhibited a significant decrease in levels of IL-6 and a significant increase in levels of SOD, compared to the normal diabetic control groups. The organo-hydrogel can be used for treating and decreasing the healing period of diabetic wounds.

Topical Adipose Mesenchymal Stem cell metabolites regulate the expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, EGF, TGF-β in oral mucosa ulcer rat model

ObjectiveMatrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1 and −9), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), and Transforming Growth factor (TGF)-β are expressed in the oral ulcer wound-healing process. The Adipose mesenchymal stem cell metabolites (AdMSCMs) may accelerate wound-healing. This study aimed to investigate the expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, EGF, and TGF-β in the oral mucosa ulcer rat model treated with topical AdMSCMs. Materials and MethodsOral ulcer models were created in twenty healthy male Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) divided into AdMSCMs and control groups. The oral ulcer model was treated topically using AdMSCMs oral gel three times daily for 3 and 7 days. The expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, EGF, TGF-β was evaluated through histological examination using the immunohistochemistry method. Independent t-test was used to compare the mean of expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, EGF, TGF-β between control and treatment groups (AdMSCMs), and paired t-test was used to analyze the mean between day 3 and day 7 of each group. ResultsA lower expression of MMP-1, MMP-9 in AdMSCMs group and higher expression EGF and TGF-β in AdMSCMs group compared to the control group in day 3 and day 7. Independent t-test results showed a significant difference in the expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, EGF between the control and AdMSCMs group in day 3 and day 7. Only TGF-β expression mean difference between day 3 and day 7 showed a significant difference compared to the control groups (p < 0.05) ConclusionsAdMSCMs oral gel may accelerate oral ulcer healing models by reducing the expression MMP-1, MMP-9, and increasing EGF and TGF-β expressions during the wound-healing process.

Abstract 5585: Genetic variants of IDH and EGFR as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in glioblastoma multiforme: A case-control study in the Jordanian Arab population

Abstract Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents a highly aggressive primary brain tumor with poor prognosis. Mutation in the Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1) gene and epidermal growth factor (EGFR) amplification are key diagnostic markers for GBM. However, the prognostic role of genetic variants of these genes remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for IDH and EGFR genes, and their impact on the risk and prognosis of GBM patients within the Jordanian Arab population. Methods: We carried out a case-control study involving 63 GBM patients and 226 healthy controls at King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue for GBM patients and blood samples for controls. IDH1 (rs121913500C&amp;gt;T), IDH2 (rs11540478G&amp;gt;A), EGFR (rs231677G&amp;gt;A), and EGFR (rs1468727C&amp;gt;T) SNPs were genotyped and analyzed using the Sequenom iPLEX assay sequencing technique. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed between SNPs using the univariable Cox proportional hazard model. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-GBM) cohort of 585 patients were analyzed for IDH1, IDH2, and EGFR alterations with OS, disease-free survival (DFS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Single-cell RNA analysis was performed on the following scRNA datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO): GSE163108 (n=25,013 cells), and GSE102130 (n=3,321 cells) . Results: Our study revealed a significant difference in genotype frequency between GBM cases and controls for IDH1 rs121913500C&amp;gt;T, and EGFR rs1468727C&amp;gt;T SNPs. Univariable Cox model showed that the G/G genotype of rs231677G&amp;gt;A (EGFR) SNP was associated with better OS in the codominant model (HR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08-0.73, p-value=0.012), and rs11540478G&amp;gt;A (IDH2) SNP (HR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.0-0.29, p-value=0.005) showing significantly better prognosis compared to the A/G genotype. In the TCGA validation cohort, the altered group of IDH1 were significantly associated with better OS (HR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.24-0.50, p-value&amp;lt;0.001), DFS (HR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.23-0.50, p-value&amp;lt;0.001) , and PFS (HR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.30-0.62, p-value&amp;lt;0.001). The scRNA analysis showed predominant expression of IDH1, IDH2, and EGFR by malignant cells, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and macrophages. Conclusion: Our investigation into the genetic landscape of GBM within the Jordanian population suggest that specific genetic variants, particularly in IDH1 genes and EGFR, may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for GBM. Additionally, IDH1 alterations were associated with better prognostic outcomes. Single-cell RNA analysis further illuminates the predominant expression of IDH1, IDH2, and EGFR by malignant cells which can be used as potential avenues for targeted therapies based on genetic profiles. Citation Format: Ayah N. Al-Bzour, Sohaib M. Al-Khatib, Mohammad N. Almajali, Tariq A. Jarrad. Genetic variants of IDH and EGFR as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in glioblastoma multiforme: A case-control study in the Jordanian Arab population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5585.

Abstract 2574: The effect of epidermal growth factor expression in detecting oropharyngeal tumors during fluorescence-guided robotic surgery

Abstract Intro: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has been shown to overexpress epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), making it a targetable biomarker for fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies such as panitumumab-IRDye800, which can be used during fluorescence-guided trans oral robotic surgery (TORS). Although antibody-based fluorescence-guided surgery is being evaluated in several late-stage trials, the use of intraoperative fluorescence imaging for TORS has not been thoroughly explored. We observed that the bi-polar cautery tool[AHM(1] of the TORS robot was auto-florescent and would appear dimmer in the presence of fluorescence from surgically exposed tumor. We aim to characterize the florescence contrast of the tool and tumor to create a rapid qualitative assessment on tumor presence. Methods: During a phase 2 clinical trial evaluating panitmumab-IRDye800 fluorescence-guided TORS of OPSCC, consenting patients (n=12) with biopsy-confirmed OPSCC received 50mg panitumumab-IRDye800 48 hours prior to surgery. Intraoperative fluorescence images were acquired using the onboard fluorescence camera of the Da Vinci Xi robot and post-operation fluorescence exams were conducted by the Pearl and Odyssey Systems (Li-Cor)[BK2]. For each patient, 3 intraoperative views (pre, mid and late resection) showing pathology-confirmed tumor, normal mucosa, and the tool were taken, and several frames from each view were analyzed via ImageJ to calculate mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) in regions of interest. The MFI of tumor and normal muscoa was normalized with MFI of the tool to obtain a standard fluorescence ratio (SFR) per patient[BK3]. A paired t-test was used to compare differences in MFI between the tumor and tool or normal mucosa. Results: The MFI for each time point was graphed for the tool, tumor and normal mucosa. Significant differences were found between tumor and mucosa and tumor and tool for every time point. Tumor/tool SFRs per patient ranged from 2.1 to 60.9, while normal/tool SFRs ranged from 0.4 to 3.1. Receiver operator characteristics curve analyses of tissue-to-tool SFR data showed a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 96% to identify the presence of tumor. Conclusion: The auto-fluorescent properties of the bipolar cautery tool of the Da Vinci Xi robot can be used for qualitative assessments of tumor presence during fluorescence-guided TORS. Bright fluorescence from the tool relative to surrounding tissue suggests the lack of carcinoma presence, which could confirm the surgeon’s complete resection of OPSCC. Citation Format: Logan Stone, Shilpa M. Rao, Manuel Lora Gonzalez, Diana Lin, Hari Jeyarajan, Carissa M. Thomas, Jason Warram. The effect of epidermal growth factor expression in detecting oropharyngeal tumors during fluorescence-guided robotic surgery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2574.

The impact of chronic fentanyl administration on the cerebral cortex in mice: Molecular and histological effects

PurposeFentanyl, a fully synthetic opioid, is widely used for severe pain management and has a huge abuse potential for its psychostimulant effects. Unlike other opioids, the neurotoxic effects of chronic fentanyl administration are still unclear. In particular, little is known about its effect on the cerebral cortex. The current study aims to test the chronic toxicity of fentanyl in the mice model. MethodsAdult male Balb/c mice were chronically treated with low (0.05 mg/kg, i.p) and high (0.1 mg/kg, i.p) doses of fentanyl for 5 consecutive weeks, and various neurotoxic parameters, including apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammatory response were assessed in the cortex. Potential histological as well as neurochemical changes were also evaluated. ResultsThe results of this study show that chronic fentanyl administration induced intense levels of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in the cerebral cortex. These findings were found to be correlated with histopathological characteristics of neural degeneration and white matter injury. Moreover, fentanyl administration was found to reduce the expression of both NMDA receptor subunits and dopamine receptors and elevate the level of epidermal growth factor (EGF). ConclusionFentanyl administration induced neurotoxic effects in the mouse cerebral cortex that could be primarily mediated by the evoked oxidative-inflammatory response. The altered expression of NMDA receptors, dopamine receptors, and EGF suggests the pernicious effects of fentanyl addiction that may end in the development of toxic psychosis.

Expression of chicken epidermal growth factor (cEGF) in Escherichia coli regulates the microflora structure of the duodenum to improve growth performance and intestinal morphogenesis in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. A study used gene synthesis to obtain the functional domains of chicken epidermal growth factor (cEGF) and examined their impact on broiler growth performance, small intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities in the intestinal contents and the structure of duodenal microflora. 2. The pET-32a-cEGF recombinant expression vector was constructed. The specific band at 26 KDa was shown by SDS-PAGE analysis and WB results. The purified protein content was shown to be 1687 μg/ml by assay. 3. A total of 180 healthy, one-day-old Arbor Acres male, white-feathered broilers were randomly divided into three dietary treatment groups (six replicate pens, 10 birds per replicate): A control diet (ND); cEGF diet (cEGF), control supplemented with 250 mg/kg cEGF and the control diet (CD) supplemented with 250 mg/kg chlortetracycline. 4. The results showed that feeding the cEGF and CD diet reduced FCR of broilers aged 1–21 d, average daily feed intake (ADFI) at 22–42 d, and the FCR in the whole period (1–42 d; p < 0.05). Compared with the ND group, the cEGF diet increased duodenal α-amylase and alkaline phosphatase activities in the 1–21 d, duodenal lipase, alkaline phosphatase, and ileal alkaline phosphatase activities in the post-period and increased villus height in the duodenum and ileum (p < 0.05). In addition, the ACE and Chao1 index for the birds fed cEGF were higher than the ND group (p < 0.05). At the phyla level, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were dominant in all groups. At the genus level, the dominant genus was Lactobacillus. The LEfSe analysis showed that the cEGF group was enriched by 11 species including Brevibacillus, Eisenbergiella, Cloacibacterium, Butyricoccus spp. 5. The addition of 250 mg/kg cEGF to the diet can increase growth performance by improving intestinal development and digestive enzyme activity, which may be related to the duodenal intestinal microflora. Therefore, cEGF is an effective alternative to antibiotics in broiler farming.

The Effects of Ellagic Acid on Experimental Corrosive Esophageal Burn Injury.

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of Ellagic acid (EA) on wound healing in sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-induced corrosive esophageal burn injury. The interaction networks and functional annotations were conducted using Cytoscape software. A total of 24 Wistar albino rats were divided into control, corrosive esophageal burn (CEB) and CEB + EA groups. Burn injury was created by 20% NaOH and 30 mg/kg EA was per oral administered to rats. At the end of the 28-day experimental period, Malondialdehyde (MDA) content was measured. Esophageal tissue samples were processed for histological staining. The EA-target interaction network was revealed to be involved in regulating crucial cellular mechanisms for burn wound healing, with epidermal growth factor (EGF) identified as a central mediator. An increase in animal weight in the CEB + EA group was observed in the EA-treated group after CEB injury. Burn injury increased MDA content, but EA treatment decreased its level after CEB injury. Stenosis index, collagen degeneration, inflammation, fibrosis and necrosis levels were increased after CEB injury. EA treatment improved histopathology in the CEB + EA group compared to the CEB group. The expression of EGF was decreased in the CEB group but upregulated in the EA-treated group, suggesting a potential involvement of EA in cellular processes and tissue regeneration. EA, through its antioxidative and tissue regenerative properties, significantly contributes to alleviating the adverse effects of CEB injury, promoting wound healing.

Effects of Banhabaekchulcheonma-Tang on Brain Injury and Cognitive Function Impairment Caused by Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Stenosis in a Mouse Model.

Vascular dementia (VD) is the second most prevalent dementia type, with no drugs approved for its treatment. Here, the effects of Banhabaekchulcheonma-Tang (BBCT) on ischemic brain injury and cognitive function impairment were investigated in a bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) mouse model. Mice were divided into sham-operated, BCAS control, L-BBCT (40 ml/kg), and H-BBCT (80 ml/kg) groups. BBCT's effects were characterized using the Y-maze test, novel object recognition test (NORT), immunofluorescence staining, RNA sequencing, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses. The NORT revealed cognitive function improvement in the H-BBCT group, while the Y-maze test revealed no significant difference among the four groups. The CD68+ microglia and GFAP+ astrocyte numbers were reduced in the H-BBCT group. Furthermore, H-BBCT treatment restored the dysregulation of gene expression caused by BCAS. The major BBCT targets were predicted to be cell division cycle protein 20 (CDC20), Epidermal growth factor (EGF), and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1). BBCT regulates the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and neuropeptide signaling pathways, as predicted by KEGG and GO analyses, respectively. BBCT significantly improved cognitive impairment in a BCAS mouse model by inhibiting microglial and astrocyte activation and regulating the expression of CDC20, EGF, TRAF1, and key proteins in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and neuropeptide signaling pathways.

Epidermal growth factor: Expression in goat endometrial epithelia during early pregnancy and regulation by interferon tau and FOXO1

In ruminants, establishment and maintenance of pregnancy depends upon a well-coordinated interaction between the conceptus and the maternal endometrium. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is important for embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment. However, the regulatory mechanisms of EGF expression remain unclear. FOXO1, a member of the Forkhead box O (FOXO) subfamily of transcription factors, is currently accepted as a novel endometrial receptivity marker for humans and mice owing to its timely and specific expression at the window of implantation. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal expression profile of EGF in goat uterus during early pregnancy (Day 0 to Day 50 of pregnancy) and verified that EGF expression was regulated by FOXO1 and interferon tau (IFNT). Our results showed that EGF was highly expressed in the luminal epithelium (LE) and the glandular epithelium (GE) during conceptus adhesion (Day 16 to Day 25 of pregnancy). After implantation, EGF protein signals were continuously detected in the endometrial epithelia and appeared in the conceptus trophectoderm. Furthermore, EGF expression could be up-regulated by IFNT in goat uterus and primary endometrial epithelium cells (EECs). The luciferase assay results showed that FOXO1 could promote EGF transcription by binding to its promoter. And FOXO1 positively regulates EGF expression in goat EECs. These findings contribute to better understanding the role and regulation mechanisms of EGF during ruminant early pregnancy.

HB-EGF promotes progenitor cell proliferation and sensory neuron regeneration in the zebrafish olfactory epithelium.

Maintenance and regeneration of the zebrafish olfactory epithelium (OE) are supported by two distinct progenitor cell populations that occupy spatially discrete stem cell niches and respond to different tissue conditions. Globose basal cells (GBCs) reside at the inner and peripheral margins of the sensory OE and are constitutively active to replace sporadically dying olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). In contrast, horizontal basal cells (HBCs) are uniformly distributed across the sensory tissue and are selectively activated by acute injury conditions. Here we show that expression of the heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is strongly and transiently upregulated in response to OE injury and signals through the EGF receptor (EGFR), which is expressed by HBCs. Exogenous stimulation of the OE with recombinant HB-EGF promotes HBC expansion and OSN neurogenesis in a pattern that resembles the tissue response to injury. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of HB-EGF membrane shedding, HB-EGF availability, and EGFR signaling strongly attenuate or delay injury-induced HBC activity and OSN restoration without affecting maintenance neurogenesis by GBCs. Thus, HB-EGF/EGFR signaling appears to be a critical component of the signaling network that controls HBC activity and, consequently, repair neurogenesis in the zebrafish OE.

IL-33 Induces Paneth Cell Production of EGF and Soluble ST2, Regulating Epithelial Regeneration after Intestinal Injury

Crypt base intestinal stem cells (ISCs) maintain the epithelial lining of the intestines, but their frequencies are reduced in experimental models of graft vs. host disease (GVHD). Paneth cells provide an epithelial contribution to the stem cell niche, but their frequencies are also reduced in GVHD mouse models and in patients with GVHD. Mechanisms regulating ISCs and their niche after damage remain poorly understood. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an immunomodulatory alarmin typically thought to target lymphocytes such as T cells and innate lymphoid cells. In experimental models of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, IL-33 can promote or attenuate GVHD, depending on the cellular target and the timing of the exposure. A secreted isoform of the IL-33 receptor, termed soluble ST2 (sST2), acts as a negative regulator by blocking IL-33 from binding to the membrane-bound isoform that mediates intracellular signaling. sST2 also has diagnostic and prognostic utility, serving as a biomarker for GVHD severity. While IL-33 has well-described effects on lymphocytes populations, there is limited understanding of the role of IL-33 signaling within the intestinal mucosa after damage. Utilizing experimental radiation injury to model conditioning-related intestinal pathology, we investigated the role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in epithelial damage and regeneration. Wild-type (WT) mice increased IL-33 mRNA and protein expression in the small intestine within days after 10 Gy total body irradiation (TBI). Intestinal sST2 expression also increased quickly in WT mice after TBI, but not in IL-33 -/- mice, suggesting that IL-33 itself was a regulator of sST2. While the ileal mucosa appeared similar at baseline in wild-type and IL-33 -/- mice, the IL-33 -/- mice demonstrated more severe radiation injury 5 days after 10 Gy TBI, with more crypt loss, loss of ISCs and Paneth cells, and an attenuated regenerative response with smaller crypts post-TBI containing fewer Ki67 + cells. 3-D whole-mount confocal microscopy of ileal tissue from IL-33-GFP reporter mice indicated that the crypt epithelium did not express IL-33 at baseline, but Olfm4 + ISCs adjacent to Paneth cells began to express IL-33 following radiation injury (Fig 1). Anti-Thy1-mediated lymphocyte depletion prior to irradiation of WT and IL-33 -/- mice did not abrogate the increased radiation sensitivity of IL-33 -/- mice, indicating a role for IL-33 beyond immunomodulation and suggesting that IL-33 could have direct effects within the epithelium. Intestinal organoid cultures confirmed epithelial expression of IL-33, confirmed increased radiation sensitivity of IL-33 -/- epithelium, and identified impaired epidermal growth factor (EGF) expression in the absence of IL-33. Furthermore, treatment of intestinal organoids with IL-33 induced EGF mRNA and protein expression, both of which were abrogated by the p38 inhibitor SB202190. Treatment of purified Lysozyme-DsRed + Paneth cells indicated that IL-33 directly promoted their production of EGF. In vivo, TBI-induced EGF upregulation was absent in IL-33 -/- mice. To further investigate this newly identified epithelial IL-33/ST2/EGF pathway in the ISC compartment, RiboTag mice, which facilitate analysis of lineage-specific proteome-relevant gene expression with minimal tissue processing and artifact introduction, were crossed to Olfm4-Cre and Lysozyme-Cre transgenics. Lineage-specific ribosome targeting was confirmed by immunostains and qPCR, and this approach also confirmed ISC upregulation of IL-33 following radiation injury and Paneth cell upregulation of EGF and sST2. Finally, to investigate the importance of this radiation-induced EGF upregulation, WT mice were treated with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib following irradiation, which resulted in more severe radiation-induced ISC loss, similar to IL-33 deficiency. Furthermore, epithelial regeneration and ISC recovery were augmented in IL-33 -/- mice after TBI by treatment with exogenous EGF (Fig 2). These findings reveal an unknown pathway of stem cell niche regulation and crypt regeneration whereby the Paneth cell niche responds dynamically upon injury by upregulating EGF and the stem cells orchestrate regeneration by regulating their niche with IL-33. This regenerative circuit also highlights the breadth of IL-33 activity beyond immunomodulation and the therapeutic potential of EGF administration for treatment of intestinal injury.

The expression of VEGF and cyclin D1/EGFR in common primary liver carcinomas in Egypt: an immunohistochemical study.

The most common types of primary malignant liver tumours are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Treatment options for patients who are inoperable/advanced, or recurring are challenging. Cyclin D1, epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGR) are common carcinogenic proteins that have potential therapeutic targets in various cancers. They have been implicated in the development of HCC and CCA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the oncogenic function expression of cyclin D1, EGFR and VEGF in HCC and CCA of Egyptian patients. This could help to validate their therapeutic potential. Tumour cases were selected from 82 cases of primary liver carcinomas, with 58 cases being from HCC and 24 cases from CCA compared to 51 non-tumour adjacent liver cases and 18 from normal liver tissue. The immunohistochemical study of cyclin D1, EGFR and VEGR was conducted. Cyclin D1, EGFR and VEGF are overexpressed in HCC and CCA as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Cyclin D1 was related to well-differentiated grade and early pathologic stage in HCC (p = 0.016 and p = 0.042, respectively). The well-differentiated grade showed significantly higher VEGF levels (p = 0.04). In the CCA group, however, EGFR was strongly related to high tumour size (p = 0.047). EGFR and VEGF were overexpressed in HCC raised in the non-cirrhotic liver compared to those developed in post-hepatitic liver cirrhosis (p = 0.003 and p = 0.014). Cyclin D1, EGFR and VEGF shared significant overexpression in HCC and CCA. EGFR and VEGF may play an oncogenic function in the development of HCC in non-cirrhotic liver. Furthermore, cyclin D1 and VEGF may play a good prognostic function in HCC, but EGFR may play a bad prognostic role in CCA.

Inhibition of transforming growth factor-β signals suppresses tumor formation by regulation of tumor microenvironment networks.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of cancer cells surrounded by stromal components including tumor vessels. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) promotes tumor progression by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer cells and stimulating tumor angiogenesis in the tumor stroma. We previously developed an Fc chimeric TGF-β receptor containing both TGF-β type I (TβRI) and type II (TβRII) receptors (TβRI-TβRII-Fc), which trapped all TGF-β isoforms and suppressed tumor growth. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this action have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, we showed that the recombinant TβRI-TβRII-Fc protein effectively suppressed invitro EMT of oral cancer cells and invivo tumor growth in a human oral cancer cell xenograft mouse model. Tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis were suppressed in tumors treated with TβRI-TβRII-Fc. Molecular profiling of human cancer cells and mouse stroma revealed that K-Ras signaling and angiogenesis were suppressed. Administration of TβRI-TβRII-Fc protein decreased the expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and epiregulin (EREG) in the TME of oral cancer tumor xenografts. HB-EGF increased proliferation of human oral cancer cells and mouse endothelial cells by activating ERK1/2 phosphorylation. HB-EGF also promoted oral cancer cell-derived tumor formation by enhancing cancer cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. In addition, increased expressions of IL-1β and EREG in oral cancer cells significantly enhanced tumor formation. These results suggest that TGF-β signaling in the TME controls cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis by activating HB-EGF/IL-1β/EREG pathways and that TβRI-TβRII-Fc protein is a promising tool for targeting the TME networks.

Endothelial Notch Signaling Regulates the Function of the Retinal Pigment Epithelial Barrier via EC Angiocrine Signaling.

The outer blood-retina barrier (oBRB), comprises tightly connected retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, Bruch's membrane, and choroid blood vessels, and is essential for retinal health and normal visual function. Disruption of the RPE barrier and its dysfunction can lead to retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the present study, we investigated the essential role of choroid endothelial cells (ECs) in the RPE barrier formation process and its dysfunction. We discovered that ECs promoted RPE barrier formation through angiocrine signaling. Through blocking or activating endothelial Notch signaling and conducting experiments in vitro and in vivo, we confirmed that endothelial Notch signaling regulated the expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HBEGF) and consequently impacted the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9 in RPE cells. This modulation influenced the RPE extracellular matrix deposition, tight junctions and RPE barrier function. In in vivo experiments, the intravitreal administration of recombinant HBEGF (r-HBEGF) alleviated the RPE barrier disruption induced by subretinal injection (SI) or laser treatment and also rescued RPE barrier disruption in endothelial Notch-deficient mice. Our results showed that the endothelial Notch signaling drove HBEGF expression through angiocrine signaling and effectively improved RPE barrier function by regulating the MMP-9 expression in RPE cells. It suggests that the modulation of Notch signaling in the choroidal endothelium may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for retinal degenerative diseases.

Single Live Cell Imaging of Multidrug Resistance Using Silver Ultrasmall Nanoparticles as Biosensing Probes in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.

Silver ultrasmall nanoparticles (Ag UNPs) (size < 5 nm) were used as biosensing probes to analyze the efflux kinetics contributing to multidrug resistance (MDR) in single live triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells by using dark-field optical microscopy to follow their size-dependent localized surface plasmon resonance. TNBC cells lack expression of estrogen (ER-), progesterone (PR-), and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2-) receptors and are more likely to acquire resistance to anticancer drugs due to their ability to transport harmful substances outside the cell. The TNBC cells displayed greater nuclear and cytoplasmic efflux, resulting in less toxicity of Ag UNPs in a concentration-independent manner. In contrast, more Ag UNPs and an increase in cytotoxic effects were observed in the receptor-positive breast cancer cells that have receptors for ER+, PR+, and HER2+ and are known to better respond to anticancer therapies. Ag UNPs accumulated in receptor-positive breast cancer cells in a time-and concentration-dependent mode and caused decreased cellular growth, whereas the TNBC cells due to the efflux were able to continue to grow. The TNBC cells demonstrated a marked increase in survival due to their ability to have MDR determined by efflux of Ag UNPs outside the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the cells. Further evaluation of the nuclear efflux kinetics of TNBC cells with Ag UNPs as biosensing probes is critical to gain a better understanding of MDR and potential for enhancement of cancer drug delivery.

EGFR expression in COVID19 placentas

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health problem that has claimed many lives worldwide. The disease is affecting almost all populations, but it poses a particular risk for groups such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases. Although the number of studies on clinical situations involving pregnant women and their infants infected with COVID-19 is increasing, the factors supporting the negative association between COVID-19 and pregnancy remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the placental histopathologic structure using EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor) antibody in placentas of COVID-19 pregnant patients.&#x0D; Materials and methods: In our study, placentas of a total of 40 pregnant women (regardless of age), including 20 pregnant women with C0VID-19 and 20 normotensive pregnant women, were used, and placentas were compared histopathologically and immunohistochemically.&#x0D; Results: In the hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of the control group placentas, tissue integrity was preserved and cellular structures were normal. In the placentas of Covid -19 group patients, it was observed that degenerations increased and cellular deformations developed. In sections of control group placentas, EGFR expression was negative in decidual cells and in areas with syncytial nodes. EGFR expression was positive in cytotrophoblast cells.  In placenta sections of Covid-19 patients, EGFR expression was positive in vascular endothelium and Hofbauer cells.&#x0D; Conclusion: In our study, it was observed that EGFR expression, an important biomarker in tissue regeneration, was inhibited. We also concluded that Covid-19 caused degeneration and inflammation in placental tissue.